Why This Wisconsin Lakeshore Tavern’s Fish And Chips Win Hearts Across The State
Along the sparkling shores of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, The 5 O’Clock Club at N28 W26658 Peterson Dr has earned a reputation that draws locals from across the state.
Its fish and chips are crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned, making every bite a memorable experience.
This lakeshore tavern blends casual charm with legendary flavor, proving that in Wisconsin, great seafood doesn’t have to be complicated.
One visit and you’ll understand why everyone raves about it.
Lakeshore Location with Sunset Views
Forget boring strip mall restaurants. The 5 O’Clock Club sits among beautiful trees with glimpses of Pewaukee Lake peeking through.
Customers rave about catching the sunset over the water while digging into their fish fry, creating an experience you cannot replicate anywhere else.
The secluded setting makes you feel like you discovered a hidden gem. Beautiful wooded grounds surround the building, and the outdoor patio offers tons of seating when weather cooperates.
Management even fires up outdoor heaters on cooler evenings to keep guests comfortable.
Finding the place might confuse first-timers, but Google Maps handles the navigation just fine.
Once you arrive at Peterson Drive in Pewaukee, the scenic location makes the journey worthwhile.
Multiple reviews highlight how the natural surroundings elevate the entire dining experience beyond just good food.
Nearly a Century of Perfecting the Recipe
Operating since 1929 gives you plenty of time to figure out what works.
The 5 O’Clock Club at N28 W26658 Peterson Dr in Pewaukee has spent nearly 100 years tweaking and perfecting their fish fry recipe.
Every generation of owners has passed down cooking secrets that keep the batter crispy and the fish tender.
Walking into this place feels like stepping into Wisconsin history. The wood paneling, warm lighting, and classic supper club vibe transport you back decades.
Reviewers mention the traditional atmosphere never feels outdated, just authentically Wisconsin.
Long-standing staff members, some with over 25 years of service, prove the restaurant treats people right.
When employees stick around that long, you know the quality and care run deep.
That stability translates directly to consistently excellent food that keeps winning hearts across the state.
Coleslaw That Steals the Show
Sometimes the side dish becomes the star. Multiple customers specifically call out the coleslaw at The 5 O’Clock Club, with one reviewer declaring it excellent and another saying it was the best part of their entire plate.
That kind of praise for cabbage takes serious culinary skill. Great coleslaw balances creaminess with crunch and tang with sweetness.
Whatever recipe they use at this Peterson Drive location in Pewaukee clearly hits all the right notes.
It cuts through the richness of fried fish perfectly, providing that refreshing contrast your taste buds crave.
When even disappointed customers mention the coleslaw as a highlight, you know it consistently delivers.
The restaurant pairs it with their fish fry, but honestly, people would probably order it by the bucket if given the chance. Quality sides separate good restaurants from great ones.
Generous Portions Worth Every Penny
Nobody leaves The 5 O’Clock Club hungry. Reviews consistently mention big portions that often result in taking home leftovers for dinner.
One couple split their lunch sandwiches and still had enough food remaining for another meal, which stretches that $20-30 price range beautifully.
Value matters when you drive across Wisconsin for fish and chips. Getting generous servings at decent prices keeps customers happy and coming back.
The restaurant clearly understands that skimpy portions leave people feeling cheated, no matter how good the food tastes.
Whether you order the full rack of ribs, the Prospect Avenue sandwich, or the classic fish fry at this Pewaukee location, expect your plate to arrive loaded.
Budget-conscious diners appreciate restaurants that do not nickel-and-dime them.
Big portions combined with quality ingredients create the perfect recipe for building loyal customers statewide.
Lake Perch Cooked to Perfection
Wisconsin runs on lake perch, and The 5 O’Clock Club delivers it beautifully.
One enthusiastic reviewer simply declared the lake perch great with an exclamation point, while others praised the excellent breading and proper cooking technique.
Getting perch right requires skill since it cooks quickly and dries out easily.
The breading makes or breaks fried fish. Too thick and you taste only batter. Too thin and it falls off.
This restaurant at N28 W26658 Peterson Dr nails that golden ratio, creating a crispy coating that protects the delicate fish inside without overwhelming it.
Fresh, carefully chosen ingredients make a noticeable difference in taste.
The restaurant emphasizes quality in everything on the plate, which helps explain why their fish fry draws crowds from across the entire state every Friday.
Friday Fish Fry Tradition Done Right
Arrive at 7 PM on a Friday during Lent and prepare for chaos. The 5 O’Clock Club packs hundreds of people into their dining rooms, creating that quintessential Wisconsin fish fry atmosphere.
One reviewer got quoted an hour wait for a table of four, which actually proves how popular this place gets.
Smart diners snag bar seats to skip the long wait times. The bar area offers the same great food with better atmosphere anyway, according to regular customers.
Staff keeps the pace lively and welcoming, making the bar the secret weapon for avoiding crowds.
The restaurant opens at 11:30 AM and stays open until 10 PM on Fridays, giving you flexibility for timing your visit to Pewaukee.
Going earlier, like the 3 PM arrival one reviewer mentioned, beats the dinner rush completely.
Planning ahead makes the difference between a relaxing meal and a stressful wait.
Homemade Ice Cream to Finish Strong
Just when you think you cannot eat another bite, someone mentions the homemade ice cream.
The 5 O’Clock Club serves unique flavors like an almond-style scoop, pistachio, and vanilla lavender that you will not find at chain restaurants.
One couple ordered all three flavors with whipped cream and declared them perfect for sharing.
Making ice cream from scratch shows serious commitment to quality.
Most restaurants just buy premade desserts, but this Peterson Drive establishment goes the extra mile.
Those creative flavor combinations demonstrate real culinary ambition beyond standard chocolate and vanilla.
Dessert completes the full supper club experience. Even when stuffed from fish and chips, saving room for a small scoop feels necessary.
The homemade touch adds another reason why customers drive from across Wisconsin to eat at this Pewaukee landmark. Every course delivers something special and memorable.